Tokunoshima Flat Stag Beetle
The Tokunoshima Flat Stag Beetle is a subspecies of flat stag beetle found only on Tokunoshima Island in the Amami archipelago. Closely related to the large Amami flat stag beetle, males can reach 50 to 79.5mm even in captivity, and their thick jaws and sturdy build give them real visual impact. They're known for a feisty temperament, though, and males can sometimes attack females, so introducing a pair needs careful timing. With a solid base of captive-breeding knowledge already established, this is a subspecies best suited to keepers ready to take their time and pay close attention.
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Tokunoshima Flat Stag Beetle key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- Adults 1-3 years
- Size
- Males 50-79.5 mm (including captive; wild up to 78.6 mm) / females 25-40 mm
- Temperature
- 20〜26℃
- Diet
- Tree sap, beetle jelly
- Temperature & Humidity
- Keep at about 20-26 C. From subtropical Tokunoshima, so avoid extreme cold indoors in winter. Keep the substrate moist enough to clump when squeezed.
- Breeding & Egg-laying
- Females lay in the buried base of dead standing hardwood or under fallen logs. In captivity bury fairly soft logs in fermented substrate and rear larvae in substrate or fungus bottles. Larvae take 1-2 years.
- Cohabitation
- Very aggressive; males often kill females. Keep singly and pair only for a few days under supervision.
- Lifespan & Rearing Period
- Adults live 1-3 years. Newly emerged adults stay in the pupal cell about a month before becoming active.
- Health & Notes
- The bite can draw blood, so handle with care. Genetic contamination of Amami flat stags from released beetles is a concern, so never release captive stock.
About Tokunoshima Flat Stag Beetle
A flat stag beetle subspecies endemic to Tokunoshima Island. Males reach 50-79.5mm with a 1-3 year lifespan. Suited to intermediate keepers who can manage the male's feisty temperament.
7 things to know before welcoming a Tokunoshima Flat Stag Beetle
1Don't leave pairs together too long
This subspecies has a feisty temperament, and males can sometimes attack females. Once mating is confirmed, separate the pair promptly and keep time together to a minimum, always supervising the enclosure closely.
2Adults typically live 1-3 years
Adult lifespan runs roughly 1 to 3 years, so this is a beetle you'll live with for a while. Make sure you can keep up with ongoing care like temperature control and regular food changes before bringing one home.
3Males grow large and impressive
Males have been recorded reaching 50 to 79.5mm even in captivity, with thick jaws and a solid, imposing build. It's an appealing subspecies for keepers aiming to raise larger individuals.
4Best suited to intermediate keepers
Some prior experience with basic temperature and humidity management, or stag beetle keeping in general, will help. First-time keepers should research care requirements thoroughly before bringing one home.
5Provide a roomy enclosure
Since males can grow quite large, choose an enclosure sized to match. Provide substrate deep enough to burrow into, along with footholds so the beetle can right itself if it flips over.
6The temperament shows in handling, too
Beyond the tendency toward female aggression, be cautious of the powerful jaws when handling this beetle by hand. Work calmly and carefully during layout changes or maintenance.
7A rare subspecies unique to Tokunoshima
Found only on Tokunoshima Island in the Amami archipelago, this subspecies is known for its large body size, closely related to the Amami flat stag beetle. Given its limited distribution, gathering breeding records and information and taking a careful approach is key to enjoying it long-term.
Frequently asked questions about Tokunoshima Flat Stag Beetle
- Q.Is this species regulated under CITES?
- A.The Tokunoshima Flat Stag Beetle is not subject to CITES. There are no special international trade regulations that apply to it.
- Q.Can males and females be kept together?
- A.Because this subspecies has a feisty temperament and males can attack females, permanent cohabitation isn't recommended. It's best to pair them only for mating and separate them promptly afterward.
- Q.How large can they grow?
- A.Males typically range from 50 to 79.5mm and females from 25 to 40mm, including in captivity. In the wild, individuals have been recorded up to 78.6mm.
- Q.Is this species suitable for beginners?
- A.This species is considered suitable for intermediate keepers. It's a good idea to have some prior stag beetle keeping experience, or to research care requirements thoroughly before taking one on.
- Q.How long do adults live?
- A.Adult lifespan is roughly 1 to 3 years, requiring ongoing care such as temperature management and regular food changes.
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